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Car Issue

Hey guys, figured this would be the place to ask since there are so many knowledgable/helpful Cyclones here.

So this morning, my car (98 Saturn SL if that matters) would not turn over at all. It wouldn't even make that "clicking" noise. The battery seemed to be fine, as the radio and lights worked. I even hooked it up to a buddys car for a jump and that didn't change anything.

So after some quick google searches, what I'm finding is that it could possibly be the ignition switch.

Is it common for these things to just randomly die overnight? The car was running perfectly yesterday. Are there other common issues it could be?

Re: Car Issue

Could be the ignition switch or a starter solenoid. If you know where the starter is crawl under the car and check the electrical connections and also tap on it with the handle of a screw driver. Then try starting it.

Re: Car Issue

Originally Posted by ianoconnor

Hey guys, figured this would be the place to ask since there are so many knowledgable/helpful Cyclones here.

So this morning, my car (98 Saturn SL if that matters) would not turn over at all. It wouldn't even make that "clicking" noise. The battery seemed to be fine, as the radio and lights worked. I even hooked it up to a buddys car for a jump and that didn't change anything.

So after some quick google searches, what I'm finding is that it could possibly be the ignition switch.

Is it common for these things to just randomly die overnight? The car was running perfectly yesterday. Are there other common issues it could be?

Thanks!
Ian

no, not common to die overnight.

I'm still thinking battery.....I had a completely dead battery (it died while I was IN hyvee) that even with a jump couldn't start my car. Had to call AAA and get a mechanic to give me a super boost just to turn over, drove it to Stew Hanson's and they replaced the battery, been fine since.

Re: Car Issue

I bet its the starter. It's located on somewhere on the transmission, so find a hammer and a friend. Tap the starter while your friend is turning the car key and it should turnover. This will allow you to at least go to a shop or car parts store. Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by johnnydugouts

MM and gesell are pretty much a wash. is niang a better player than woodbury? of course, but that doesnt mean its a good matchup for him, especially with a much more athletic defensive player backing up woodbury.

Re: Car Issue

Could also be a relay or a fuse, or possibly a battery cable or connector.

On some older vehicles (my van, for instance), there is a smaller accesory cable from the battery to the fuse block that can come loose. You'll have no power at all to any of your accessories, and the engine won't do anything when you try to start it. If you short the positive side of the battery to the starter relay, it will fire right up.

Even with a jump, you won't have any power.

Replacing a battery connector is a bit less of a pain than swapping a starter, for sure.

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Re: Car Issue

Originally Posted by CycoCyclone

no, not common to die overnight.

I'm still thinking battery.....I had a completely dead battery (it died while I was IN hyvee) that even with a jump couldn't start my car. Had to call AAA and get a mechanic to give me a super boost just to turn over, drove it to Stew Hanson's and they replaced the battery, been fine since.

What? A starter could go out at any time. A battery isn't common to just be dead one day and not take a jump.

Re: Car Issue

Don't know if the car is a manual or an automatic, but if it is an auto you might shift it to neutral and try to start it, or just move the gearshift around a little and try in park again. Possible the interlock switch is touchy.

Re: Car Issue

i drive a 98 saturn sl2 as well. i had a time last year that my car wouldnt start after work, exact same symptoms as yours. ended up having to call a tow. the place i towed it to gave an insanely high quote to change the starter so i decided to do it myself. So i grabbed a neighbor and a chain to go get it. We hooked up the chain and i got in the car to steer, etc. Turned the key just for kicks and it started right up. no idea what the problem was but it has started fine ever since.
I know there isnt much of a point here except that you may want to give it a turn every now and again.

Re: Car Issue

Originally Posted by vortec22

Don't know if the car is a manual or an automatic, but if it is an auto you might shift it to neutral and try to start it, or just move the gearshift around a little and try in park again. Possible the interlock switch is touchy.

This is what we think was the problem with my car. One day it doesn't turn over, but we still get radio, lights, etc. We had it towed in to the shop, but it started when it got there. It had happened before, so they told us to just try it in neutral next time it happens. Hasn't happened since though.

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